The pair chatted as the sun shone down on the splendid lawns of Buckingham Palace, only ever enjoyed by the public at these prestigious events.

Benedict's strong fan base took to Twitter to express their envy that Sophie had got to meet their Sherlock Holmes heartthrob.

It was Sophie's second public appearance in two days and she didn't disappoint her fashion fans. The first ever Patron of the London College of Fashion wore a flared monochrome print dress, not dissimilar from the one that Princess Beatrice wore to the same event last week.

However, The Countess of Wessex made the look her own with a chic black and cream hat for the occasion.

The royal party were welcomed into the garden at around 4pm to the rousing sound of the national anthem played by one of the two military bands providing the soundtrack for the event. Cakes, sandwiches and a special tea blend called 'Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea' are laid on for the lucky invitees.

Two bands play alternately throughout the festivity. Attendees are privileged to be able to explore the gardens which are not normally open to the general public.

Sophie's public engagement on Wednesday also saw her enjoying the great outdoors and the joys of flourishing early summer gardens. The 48-year-old was at the Guildford Flower Festival as part of her day of Surrey-based engagements.

The Countess wore a summery white dress, reverse bolero which she accessorised with snakeskin style wedges and a gold clutch bag.

In keeping with the occasion, the mum-of-two also sported a white corsage, complete with pearl beads, on her right wrist.

Upon her arrival at Guildford's impressive cathedral, Sophie was presented with a bright bouquet by a particularly excited young girl, before admiring the multitude of floral displays.

Sophie also chose a white outfit for her appearance at the Queen's coronation service on Tuesday. The mother-of-two wore a lace dress and strappy sandals for the special occasion and teamed the frock with a large white hat.

Sophie and Prince Edward's daughter, Lady Louise, also wore white for the service at Westminster Abbey, stepping out in white tights and sporting a white cardigan over her peach-coloured dress. The Countess of Wessex's appearance at the Queen's summer garden party comes just days before she and Prince Edward fly to Stockholm for Princess Madeleine's wedding.